Frank Speziale Photo
NEW BERLIN – Mitch Merlo, Blaine Rifanburg and Kyler Butts all rushed for more than 100 yards as the Storm earned their first victory of the 2018 season Friday night, 40-20 over the Newfield Trojans at home.
Before the contest, first-year head coach Art Rigas honor his three seniors – Dawson Carson, Nick Toscano and Austin VanDyke.
Merlo led the Unadilla Valley offense, finishing the night with 12 carries for 151 yards with three touchdown in the ground game. His teammate Rifanburg added one touchdown carry as well as one through the air that came from the arm of Merlo.
Rifanburg, the main quarterback for Storm, tossed a pass to Butts for a 62 yard score. The reception was Butts’ lone catch of the contest while he also ran for 126 yards on 15 attempts.
John Leonard was the other receiver of a Rifanburg pass that resulted in a 13 yard pass and catch play for UV. Rifanburg ended the 2-for-8 passing for 75 yards and two interceptions to go along with his one touchdown pass, catch and the ground game he produced.
